“Rolling Stones 1971” brings the rock ’n’ roll years back to life

At that time, following tax troubles in England, the musicians of the world's greatest rock band arrived in the south of France. In their wake, the French photographer Dominique Tarlé. Author of numerous photographs of the band, composed of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman and Mick Taylor, he joined them to become their official photographer.

A SELECTION OF 44 PHOTOS

Among numerous snapshots, a selection of 44 of them recalls these privileged moments. “We are reliving a wonderful era, even if it doesn't make us any younger. The generation back then had no limits. It feels good to immerse oneself in those years again,” said the mayor, welcoming the photographer at the opening. For Dominique Tarlé, it was the adventure of a lifetime, as he liked to emphasize when describing this exceptional professional relationship. Numerous anecdotes illustrated the photographer's words. For instance, he had convinced his parents that he needed to cross the Manche to perfect his English. Living above a pub, it was from there, thanks to great encounters such as meeting a certain Mick Taylor, that his destiny as the official photographer of the Rolling Stones was forged. Over the years, he immortalized these fabulous musicians: “When you are passionate about photography, rock, and rhythm and blues, how could you refuse to be the only photographer to have lived with this legendary band, especially during their exile in France, in 1971, in Villefranche-sur-Mer where the Rolling Stones took up residence?”

The exhibition, created in partnership with the Galerie de l’Instant, can be seen until September 27 at the Espace Culturel (612, avenue de Provence).